Tool coolant application and direction assembly

ABSTRACT

A coolant assembly for supplying coolant fluid to a tool includes an outer ring defining an inlet and an insert pressed within the outer ring including an annular channel. The annular channel is in communication with the inlet defined by the outer ring and includes a plurality of passages disposed to direct fluid along an axis of a tool. At least two of the passages are disposed at different angles relative to the axis of the tool to direct coolant along the entire length of the tool in order to provide a uniform and consistent stream of coolant and uniform and consistent temperature of the tool.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation ofco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/197,390 filed on Jul. 17,2002. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an assembly for directing coolant flow onto amachine tool, and specifically to an assembly for directing coolant flowonto a tool at different locations along the rotational axis.

Typically, in a conventional machining process a stream of coolant isdirected onto the cutting tool to maintain a constant temperature.Without coolant flow, friction from the tool and the workpiece generateheat of a degree sufficient to damage the tool. Further, not only wouldthe tool be damaged, but also the quality of the machines surface of thework piece is degraded. For these reasons it is desirable direct astream of coolant onto a tool during machining operations. Machiningproduces metal chips that are preferably evacuated from the machiningarea in order to prevent damage to the tool and work piece. The streamof coolant aids evacuation of metal chips from the work piece duringmachining.

Typical arrangements for directing coolant onto a tool include the useof a plurality of hoses arranged to direct fluid onto the tool. Thesehoses are typically of a semi-rigid design extending around a tool andmanually positioned to direct coolant onto a tool. Often during themachining, the work piece or chips bump and contact the coolant lineschanging the position of the hose such that the coolant is no longerdirected as originally positioned onto the tool. In addition, hoses areoften not positionable for providing coolant as desired when machiningof relatively deep openings or holes. Further, in some partconfigurations an adjustable coolant hose is simply not feasible anddoes not supply and direct coolant flow adequately to the tool.

It is known in the art to provide a system for directing fluid betweenthe machine and spindle to direct flow. Such systems require expensiveand complicated fluid routing mechanisms in order to route coolant fluidsubstantially near the axis of rotation of the tool. Further, suchsystems are not easily adaptable to tool changes.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a low cost, easily changeableand configurable coolant directing assembly that directs coolant alongthe tool without obstructing machining operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of this invention is a coolant collar placed over a tooland including a plurality of passages having differing angles to directcoolant flow at different locations along the axis of rotation of thetool.

In one embodiment of this invention, an outer ring includes an inlet forcoolant and an insert pressed within the outer ring including an annularchannel in fluid communication with the inlet. A plurality of passagesin fluid communication with the annular channel includes openingsdisposed annularly about an axis of rotation. Each passage is disposedat an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the tool and at leasttwo of the passages can be at differing angles relative to each other todirect the coolant flow at different points along the axis of rotationof the tool.

The insert also includes at least one coolant hole communicating coolantfluid to an interface between the rotating tool and an inner diameter ofthe insert. The coolant hole creates a fluid bearing between the tooland the inner diameter of the insert that retards frictional build-up ofheat. The inner diameter of the insert slides over the rotating tool andis held in place on the tool by a semi-flexible coolant line. The collarsimply slides over the rotating tool providing for quick toolingchangeovers.

In another embodiment of this invention, a tool holder includes aninsert having an annular channel in fluid communication with an inletdefined by an outer ring pressed onto the outer diameter of the insert.The insert includes a body portion for rigidly mounting the tool to themachine and includes at least one setscrew securing the tool within thetool holder. In this embodiment, the tool is held stationary as theworkpiece is rotated about an axis of rotation. Coolant flow through theinlet and annular channel exits the insert through passages directingcoolant fluid along the axis of the tool. The passages are annularlydisposed about a face of the insert and include at least two passagescan be of differing angles for directing coolant fluid at differentpoints along the tool.

In yet another embodiment of this invention, a tool holder includes aninsert having an annular channel, and coolant channels communicatingcoolant from an inlet within the insert to coolant passages. An outersleeve completes a portion of the coolant channels to provide continuousfluid communication from the inset to the coolant passages. The toolholder of this embodiment secures the tool within an inner diameter androtates with the spindle of the machine. Coolant is communicated throughthe tool holder from a coolant source within the machine that providecoolant to the inlet in the tool holder.

Accordingly, embodiments of this invention provide easy mounting toexisting tooling and machinery while directs coolant along the entirelength of a tool without complex piping and valving and does notinterfere with the work piece tool interface during machining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings thataccompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of this inventionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is plan view of an outer ring;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the outer ring;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the insert;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the insert;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the embodiment of this invention shown in FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the outer ring;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the outer ring;

FIG. 11 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the insert;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the insert;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 14 if a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the embodiment in shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of another tool holder according to thisinvention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of another end mill holder according to thisinvention;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a collet according to this invention;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the collet of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a coolant nut according to this invention; and

FIG. 23 is a front view of the coolant nut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the FIG. 1, a machine 10 rotates a spindle 12 and tool 14about an axis 18. The tool 14 is of any kind known to a worker skilledin the art. Disposed about the tool 14 is a coolant collar assembly 20.The coolant collar 20 is held in place by semi-rigid coolant line 16.The coolant line 16 is a hose or pipe capable of maintaining a desiredposition as understood by a worker skilled in the art. The collar 20slides over the tool 14 and abuts the spindle 12. The coolant collar 20includes an outer ring 22 having a coolant inlet 26. Within the outerring 22 is insert 24. The insert 24 includes an annular channel 28 influid communication with the inlet 26 of the outer ring 22 to providefluid to coolant passages 30. The coolant passages 30 are disposed at anangle relative to the axis of rotation 18 to direct coolant flow alongthe tool 14.

Each of the passages 30 terminates at an opening 29 on the face 56 ofthe insert. No portion of the passage 30 extends past the face 56 of theinsert. The passages 30 are disposed at an angle relative to the axis ofrotation 18 such that coolant is directed at different locations alongthe axis 18. Directing coolant along the tool 14 provides consistent anduniform cooling of the tool 14. As appreciated, non-uniform andnon-consistent cooling can increase wear on the tool 14 decreasing toollife. At least two of the passages 30 can be at differing angles. Thediffering angles provide for the application of coolant at differinglocations and points along the tool 14.

In one embodiment of this invention, one of the coolant passages 30includes an angle 34 and another of the coolant passages 30 includes anangle 32. Angles 32 and 34 are different from each other. Preferably,the angles 32, 34 are at between 2° and 25° relative to the axis ofrotation. It should be understood that it is within the contemplation ofthis invention any angle 2° and 25° may be used within this inventionsuch that coolant is directed at several points along the tool 14.

The insert 24 includes at least one coolant hole 36. The inner diameter44 is sized such that the coolant collar 20 simply slides over the tool14. The interface between the tool 14 and inner diameter 44 is a bearingsurface. Preferably, the insert is constructed from bronze to providedesirable wear properties, however, it is within the contemplation ofthis invention to use other materials as are known to a worker skilledin the art.

The coolant hole 36 provides coolant at the interface between the tool14 and the inner diameter of insert 24. Coolant between the tool 14 andinsert 24 creates a fluid bearing that prevents heat buildup between ashank 15 of the tool 14 and the coolant collar 20.

The inner diameter 44 of the insert 24 is sized to cooperate with theouter diameter of the tool 14. The specific inner diameter of the insert24 may be of any size desired to accommodate the tool 14. The innerdiameter 44 is preferably sized to provide a slip fit while maintainingdesired position of the coolant collar 20 relative to the tool 14.

An advantage of this invention is the ease in changeovers of coolantcollars 20 corresponding with different sizes and types of tools. Thetool 14 and insert 24 are changed to provide for differing tool sizes bydisconnecting the coolant hose 16 from the collar 20, changing the tool14 and then sliding a correspondingly sized coolant collar 20 onto thenew tool.

Referring to FIG. 2, the coolant collar 20 is shown in cross-section andincludes the outer ring 20 surrounding the insert 24. The insert 24includes the annular channel 28. The annular channel 28 cooperates andcorresponds to the inlet 26 to provide a flow passage for coolant. Thepassages 30 are disposed at an angle relative to the axis of rotation18. The insert 24 also includes the coolant holes 36. Although, twocoolant holes are show, it is within the contemplation of this inventionto provide any number of coolant holes to provide coolant between theinner diameter 44 and the tool 14.

The passages 30 terminate at the opening 29 on the face 56 of the insert24. No portion of any passage 30 extends beyond the face 56. An angle32,34 of the passages 30 are the only means of directing coolant flowonto a tool rotating along the axis of rotation 18. There are noexternal features to the coolant collar 20 to interfere with machiningof a workpiece. Further, there are no external features that caninterfere between the interface of the tool 14 and workpiece.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the insert 24 is shown disassembled from theouter ring 22. The outer ring 22 includes a width 50 common with thewidth 52 of the insert 24 (FIG. 6). The outer ring 22 includes outerdiameter 38 and inner diameter 40. The inner diameter 40 preferablyprovides a fluid tight press fit with the outer diameter 42 of theinsert 24 (FIG. 6). The press fit between the outer ring 20 and insert24 is as is known in the art to provide a fluid seal in order to preventlarge quantities of coolant from escaping through the interface betweenthe insert 24 and outer ring 22. As appreciated, a certain amount offluid flow through the interface of the insert 24 and outer ring 22 isallowable and does not degrade the performance of the coolant collar 20.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, passages 30 terminate at the face 56 and aredisposed annular about the axis 18. Preferably, each of the passages 30are annularly spaced at consecutive angles indicated at 48. Preferably,the angle between each passage is 45°, however, as appreciated, otherannular distances and spacing are within the contemplation of thisinvention as required by application specific requirements.

The insert 24 includes thickness 56. The thickness 56 ensures that thepassages 30 have sufficient length 31 to direct and form a coolantstream. The thickness 56 must be of sufficient width to form a stream ofcoolant. The thickness 56 must be such that a stream is created. Asimple opening in the insert would create a spray of coolant that wouldnot sufficiently and uniformly cool the tool. For this reason, thethickness 56 is of such a thickness to provide passages 30 sufficientlength 31 such that a steam of coolant is formed and directed at thetool.

The insert 24 includes the annular channel 28. The annular channel 28has an inner diameter 58. The inner diameter 58 cooperates with theoverall outer diameter 42 of the insert 24 to form the channel andprovide sufficient coolant supply to the passages 30. Further, thediameter 58 of the annular channel 28 provides communication of coolantbetween the inlet 26 the passages 30. Along with the diameter 58 is awidth 54 of the annular channel 28. The width 54 of the annular channel28 also provides for the sufficient supply of coolant through thepassages 30. The insert 24 also includes an overall thickness 52. Asappreciated the overall thickness 52, 50 of the coolant collar 20 isapplication specific and other thicknesses are within the contemplationof this invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of this invention is a toolholder indicated at 70 mounted within a machine 60 for holding anon-rotating tool 64. The non-rotating tool 64 is disposed along an axis68. The tool holder 70 of this embodiment includes an outer ring 72having a coolant inlet 88. The coolant inlet 88 is in communication withcoolant line 66. The outer ring 72 is pressed onto insert 74. The insert74 includes an annular channel 80 in fluid communication with the inlet88 and passages 86.

The insert 74 includes a body portion 76 that is mounted within themachine 60 and includes setscrews 84 securing the tool 64 within thetool holder 70. The body 76 is generally a cylindrical having a flatsurface 82 for aligning the tool holder 70 within the machine 60. Theinsert 74 includes passages 86 disposed at an angle relative to the axis68. The angle of passages 86 relative to the axis 68 directs coolantalong the tool 64.

In this embodiment, the tool 64 does not rotate about the axis 68. Thetool 64 in this embodiment does not rotate relative to rotation of thework piece and may be of any type known to a worker skilled in the art.Preferably, the tool 64 is a boring bar used for machining surfaceswithin a work piece. Such surfaces require coolant discharge within anopening of the workpiece. The passages 86 terminates at face 106 of theinsert 74 and do not extend beyond that face 106. In this way, coolantis discharged onto the tool 64 does not hindered machining of the workpiece. The specific angle of the passages 86 are such that coolant isdirected along the axis 68 to provide uniform cooling of the tool 64.Further, the direction of coolant along the tool 64 provides for theevacuation of chips created during the machining process. The toolholder 70 of this invention includes a substantially flat face 106 withan opening 87 at which passages 86 terminated and are angled relative tothe axis 68 directing flow along the tool 64. This allows the tool 64 toextend within the work piece without substantial interference.

Referring to FIGS. 8 through 12, the tool holder 70 is showndisassembled from the machine 60. The outer ring 72 includes a clearancehole 90 corresponding to a set screw 92 for securing the tool 64 withinthe insert 74.

The outer ring 72 includes an inner diameter 112 that cooperates with anouter diameter 98 of the insert 74. The outer ring 72 includes the inlet88. The inlet 88 may be threaded as is known by a worker skilled in theart for a corresponding fitting of the coolant line 66. The outer ring72 includes a width 108 corresponding with the insert 74 and annulargroove 80.

The insert 74 includes an annular groove 80 that has a width 94. Thewidth 94 cooperates with the width 108 of the outer ring 72 to form afluid channel to provide coolant from the inlet 88 through the passages86. The insert 74 also includes an inner diameter 96 that is sized tocorrespond with the outer diameter of the tool 64. The inner diameter 96may be of any size or shape as is known to a worker skilled in the artto correspond with the mounting of a tool 64. The insert 74 includes theflat surface portion 82 corresponding with the machine 60 to align andorientate the tool 64 along the axis 68. As appreciated, the specificconfiguration of machine and tool mounting features of the tool holder70 are as is known to a worker skilled in the art, and otherconfiguration of alignment and securing features are within thecontemplation of this invention.

The face 106 of the insert 74 includes the openings 87 of each of thepassages 86 disposed annularly about the face 106 of the insert 74. Theangular spacing between each of the passages shown at 100 may be of anyangle required by the specific application. Preferably, the angularspacing of the passages is 45°, however, with additional passages 86 thespecific angular distance between passages may be increased or decreasedas required by the specific application. Further, the passages 86 and 87are disposed concentrically about the opening for the tool. In anexample embodiment the passages are disposed concentrically about thetool opening that is between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches larger indiameter than the opening in the tool holder. Such a configurationprovides a spacing 85 from the tool holder opening.

At least two of the passages 86 can be at a differing angle relative tothe axis 68. Preferably, the angles are between 2° and 25° relative tothe axis 68. The differing angles provides for the direction of coolantflow along different points of the tool 64. Further, the angles of thepassages can range between 2° and 25°. It is within the contemplation ofthis invention that the specific angles of the passages may be of anyangular dimension relative to the axis 68 required to uniformly andconsistently provide coolant to the tool 64 such that the entire tool 64is uniformly and consistently cooled. In other words, the passages 86direct coolant along the tool 64 such that the tool maintains a uniformand consistent temperature, which in turn extends the life of the tool64 and improves the cutting life and surface finish machined by the tool64.

Referring to FIG. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a tool holder isgenerally indicated at 120. The tool holder 120 includes a body portion122 having an inlet 130 through which coolant flows to lateral passages136 that are in turn in fluid communication with coolant grooves 138.The coolant grooves 138 are in fluid communication with an annularchannel 140. The annular channel 140 is in turn in fluid communicationwith fluid passages 142. The fluid passages 142 direct coolants alongthe axis 159. At least two of the coolant passages 146 can be atdiffering angles 158, 160. The differing angles of the fluid passages146 provide for the direction of coolant fluid along different points ofthe axis 159. Preferably, the angles 158, 160 are between 2° and 25°relative to the central axis 159.

The tool holder 120 of this embodiment includes the coolant channels 138that are formed on an outer periphery of the body 122. As appreciatedforming grooves on an outer periphery 139 of the body 122 simplifiesmanufacture of the tool holder assembly 120. The coolant channels 138eliminate requirement for deep drilling within the tool body 122. Thefluid coolant channels 138 are completed by pressing this sleeve 148onto the body 122. The sleeve 148 seals and completes formation ofcoolant channels 138 that are in fluid communication with the inlet 130.

The inlet 130 is disposed at a rear portion of the body 122. The body122 also includes a tapered portion 126. The tapered portion 126cooperates with a mount portion 134 of the tool body 122. Thisconfiguration is as is known to a worker skilled in the art and may beof differing configuration as is required for the specific application.

The inlet 130 is disposed in a rear portion of the body 122 andcooperates with machine internal coolant system (not shown). In machinesequipped with a thru spindle coolant system coolant is provided throughthe rear of the tool holder 120 to a tool mounted within the innerdiameter 150 of the tool holder 120. Coolant provided from the rear ofthe tool holder 120 is preferable injected through a tool mounted withinthe tool holder 120. However, in some instances tools are used withspecific tool holders that do not include passages that allow coolant torun therethrough. In these instances, the tool holder 120 includes fluidchannels that direct fluid from the inlet 130 to the coolant passages142 at a face 144 of the tool holder 120

At least one setscrew 152 is provided to secure a tool within the toolholder 120. The tool preferably will mount within the inner diameter 150of the tool holder 120. It should be understood that it is within thecontemplation of this invention that the tool holder 120 may be modifiedas is known to a worker skilled in the art to conform and fit differingtool sizes where the inner diameter 150 would be modified to fit toolsof differing outer diameters.

The tool holder 120 includes the face 144. The face 144 includes aplurality of openings 146. The openings 146 do not extend outward fromthe face 144. This provides for no intrusion on the tool or the workpiece for the tool holder 120. The outer diameter 164 of the tool holder120 is sized as required for this specification application. Theopenings 146 are disposed about the axis 159 at an angle. This angle isbetween 2° and 25° to provide coolant along the axis 159 to a tool. Theopenings 146 are disposed concentrically about the opening for the tool.The openings 146 are spaced away from the tool opening a distance 145.The distance 145 is between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches in diameterlarger than tool opening 150.

The outer sleeve 148 is sized to fit onto the tool body 122 and becomeand integral part therewith. Preferably, the outer sleeve 148 is heatedto an elevated temperature relative to the tool body 122 and thenpressed on to the tool body 122. As appreciated once the outer sleeve148 cools to a temperature substantially the same as the tool body 122it will become an integral part of the tool holder 120. Once the outersleeve 148 has cooled it will contract to form a fluid tight seal aroundthe body 122. The outer sleeve 148 completes the coolant grooves 138from the lateral passage 136 to the annular channel 140.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 another embodiment of the tool holder isgenerally shown at 170. The tool holder 170 includes an inlet 202through a rear portion of a body 172. The body 172 also includes atapered portion 176 and a mount portion 178. The inlet 202 providescoolant fluid through an inlet passage 184. The inlet passage 184 is inturn in fluid communication with lateral passages 182. In thisembodiment of the tool holder 170 the fluid passages from the annulargroove channel 192 are drilled therefore removing the need for the outersleeve as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13. Coolant channels 186 areformed by drilling a hole from the annular channel 192 to lateralchannels 182 that drilled from an outer diameter 198 of the tool holder170 to communicate with the inlet passage 184. The lateral passages arethen plugged with plugs 180. The body portion 172 includes setscrews 190to secure a tool within the inner diameter 196.

The insert 174 in this embodiment is pressed within the annular channel192. The insert includes the passages 188 disposed at an angle 204, 206relative to the central axis 205. As a appreciated and discussed in andthroughout this application the differing angles of the coolant passages188 provides for coolant to be directed at differing points along theaxis 205 to provide optimal coverage and cooling of a tool mountedwithin the tool holder 170. Each of the coolant passages 188 includes anopening 200. No portions of the coolant passages 188 extend beyond theface 209 of the tool holder 170. The openings 146 are disposedconcentrically about the opening for the tool. The openings 200 arespaced away from the tool opening a distance 197. The distance 197 ispreferably between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches in diameter larger thantool opening.

Preferably the insert 174 is fabricated from a steel material however itis within the contemplation of this invention that the insert 174 may befabricated from many material as is known by workers skilled in the art.Further, the tool holder 170 is fabricated from any material known to aworker skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 17 another embodiment of the tool holder 170 is shownincluding an inlet collar 210. In this embodiment, coolant fluid isprovided to the tool holder 170 through a stationary ring 210. Asappreciated, the tool holder 170 rotates about the axis 205. In thisembodiment, coolant is provided to the tool holder through thestationary ring 210. The stationary ring cooperates with the tool holder170 to provide coolant through the rotating tool holder 170. Therotating collar 210 includes seals 214 cooperating with a body portionof the tool holder 172. The insert 174 receives coolant from the inlet216 through he coolant hose 212.

Referring to FIG. 18 another tool holder 220 according to this inventionincludes a collet type chuck tool holding system. A tool 222 is heldwithin a collet 226 by tightening a coolant nut 224 onto threads 234 ofthe tool holder 220. The tool holder 220 includes a rear inlet 238adjacent an end 236. Coolant flows into the rear inlet 238 through apassage 242 defined within the tool holder 220 to the collet 226. Thecollet 226 includes at least one groove 244 (FIG. 20) that establishes aflow path for coolant to the face 225 of the collet 226. The collet 226operates as is known in the art to compress around the tool 222. Thecoolant nut 226 is tightened to compress the collet 226 and thereby holdthe tool 222 in place. Coolant at the coolant nut 236 exits throughcooling holes 270 and is directed onto the tool 222.

The tool holder 220 includes a flange 230 for securing within a machinetool (not shown). The flange 230 can also include an inlet 240. Theinlet 240 can be utilized instead or with the inlet 238. The specificcombination and inlet utilized to communicate coolant to the tool 222 isdependent on the configuration of the machine tool.

Referring to FIG. 19, an end mill holder 250 according to this inventionincludes a coolant nut 254 that threaded onto a body 258 to compress acollet 256 and thereby secure a tool 252. The end mill holder 250includes an inlet 262 adjacent a rear end 264 of the body 258. Thecoolant nut includes a plurality of coolant openings 270 onto the tool252. The body 258 also includes a flange portion 268. The flange portion268 provides for securing of the end mill holder 250 within a machinetool as is known to a worker skilled in the art. As in the tool holder220, a coolant inlet 266 may also be disposed within the flange 258 tocorrespond with the specific machine tool coolant flow configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the collet 226 is shown and includes slots248 that provide for the expansion and contraction utilized to secure atool within an opening 249. The collet 226 includes the groove 244 thatestablishes a coolant flow path to the face 225 of the collet 226. Theface 225 includes a groove 246 that communicates coolant about thecircumference of the face 225.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the coolant nut 224 includes the coolingholes 270 that distribute coolant onto the tool. The coolant nut 224threads onto the body of the tool holder 220 and causes the collet 226to compress and secure the tool 222 in a known manner. The cooling holes270 are radially spaced from each other to provide the desired amount ofcoolant to the tool during operation. Sides 274 of the coolant nut 224provide a hexagon shape to provide for engagement with a tool fortightening to the body 228. The coolant nut 224 provides for the directapplication of coolant to the tool in a manner that improves tooloperation and increases the useful life of the tool. The openings 270are disposed concentrically about the opening for the tool. The openings270 are spaced away from the tool opening a distance of between 0.10inches and 0.50 inches. Preferably, the openings 270 are formed in adiameter that is between 0.10 and 0.5 inches larger than the toolopening.

The foregoing description is exemplary and not just a materialspecification. The invention has been described in an illustrativemanner, and should be understood that the terminology used is intendedto be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of thisinvention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that certain modifications are within the scope of thisinvention. It is understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed. For that reason the following claims should be studied todetermine the true scope and content of this invention.

1. A tool holder assembly comprising; an inlet for cooling fluid; a bodyportion including an opening for mounting a tool along an axis, saidbody portion including a channel in fluid communication with said inlet;wherein said channel comprises passages disposed adjacent an outerperiphery of said body portion; and an insert disposed within saidchannel including coolant openings disposed at an angle relative to saidaxis,
 2. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said coolantopenings are disposed a distance from said opening for mounting saidtool.
 3. The assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said distance isbetween 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from said opening.
 4. The assembly asrecited in claim 2, wherein said distance is between 0.1 inches and 0.5inches from said opening.
 5. The assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid distance is between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches.
 6. The assembly asrecited in claim 1, wherein said inlet is disposed at a rear end of saidbody along said axis.
 7. The assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid angle of said coolant openings is between 2° and 25° relative tosaid axis.
 8. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said angle ofsaid coolant openings is between 2° and 25° relative to said axis. 9.The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said angle of said coolantopenings is between 2° and 25° relative to said axis.
 10. The assemblyof claim 1, further including a fluid supply collar coupled to said bodyportion for supplying coolant fluid to said channels.
 11. The assemblyas recited in claim 1, wherein said channel further comprises a sleevedisposed about said body portion forming a portion of said channel incooperation with said passages disposed adjacent an outer periphery ofsaid body portion.
 12. A tool holder assembly for mounting a toolcomprising; an inlet for supplying coolant; and a body for mounting thetool along an axis, said body portion including a coolant channelcommunicating coolant from said inlet to a plurality of coolantpassages, said cooling channel disposed longitudinally along an outerperimeter of said body.
 13. The assembly as recited in claim 12, whereinsaid inlet is disposed along said axis to an opening adjacent a rear endof said body.
 14. The assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said bodyincludes a face transverse to said axis, said face including an annularchannel and an insert disposed within said annular channel.
 15. Theassembly as recited in claim 14, wherein said insert includes saidcoolant passages.
 16. The assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein saidcoolant passages are radially spaced from an opening for the tool. 17.The assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said spacing is between 0.1inch and 0.5 inches.
 18. The assembly as recited in claim 17, whereinsaid body includes a tapered portion.
 19. The assembly as recited inclaim 12, including a coolant nut and a collet within said body, saidcoolant nut including said cooling holes and said collet including agroove defining a portion of said coolant passages to said coolingholes.
 20. The assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein said colletincludes a face and a groove disposed on said face for establishing aportion of said cooling passages to said cooling holes.
 21. A toolholder assembly for mounting a tool comprising; an inlet for supplyingcoolant; a body defining a coolant inlet; and a coolant nut engaged tosaid body and including a plurality of coolant openings receivingcoolant from said coolant passage.
 22. The assembly as recited in claim21, including a collet disposed within said body for mounting the toolalong an axis, said collet defining a portion of a coolant passage fromsaid coolant inlet
 23. The assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein saidcollet includes a face transverse to said axis, said face including agroove defining a portion of said coolant passage.
 24. The assembly asrecited in claim 21, wherein said body includes a flange and saidcoolant inlet is disposed within said flange.
 25. The assembly asrecited in claim 21, wherein said body includes an end and said coolantinlet is disposed adjacent said end.
 26. The assembly as recited inclaim 21, wherein said coolant openings within said coolant nut areangled relative to said axis such that coolant is directed at said tool.27. The assembly as recited in claim 26, wherein at least two of saidcoolant openings are disposed at different angles relative to said axis.28. The assembly as recited in 21, wherein said coolant passages areradially spaced from an opening for the tool.
 29. The assembly asrecited in claim 28, wherein said spacing is between 0.1 inch and 0.5inches.